Hope Lost

The people at Thin Threads had me hoping that I might actually be accepted for print. I submitted a story called The Trouble with Tarot. I know, probably not the best title, but it is what I came up with at the time.

I made it up to the finals with 149 other writers. The Thin Threads people said they were looking for 75-100 stories for their first collection of stories. I figured that maybe I just might have a chance.

I wasn't disheartened when I didn't win the first place spot, after all I have problems writing non-fictional personal stories. Still, the hope was there.

So, when I checked the list of authors who were selected, I was a bit disappointed. Though after examining the categories and titles of the winners, I don't know where my story would have fit. I mean mine was a bit supernatural, albeit true.

I will continue to submit my work! I will work on making my personal accounts of my life more interesting.

Staying on Task

I am trying to stay focused and on task so that I can complete my H4H story. I finished one more page today. I am trying really hard to write a page a day, sometimes I let the weekends stall me.

I re-edited the flash story I wrote this weekend.

All in all I think I have accomplished something. I need to decide where to submit some more of my flash stories and submit them. With the prompts I don't always write spec fiction, so it's not always easy to find a venue for them.

Published online

My flash fiction story, At First Glance, has been published on The Short Humour Site.

If you would like to read it go to:
http://www.short-humour.org.uk/2writersshowcase/atfirstglance.htm

-Rita

Submissions

I have been submitting my flash fiction stories to paying markets. I keep getting shot down, but not because they don't like the stories.

I get, 'I enjoyed reading your story, but we can't use it at this time.'

I have gotten one that told me what I needed to improve the story. I am working on that one now.

Today, the rejection said, 'While the premise of this story is intriguing, it readsmore like a scene than a fully developed tale with character and plotarcs, which is something we do look for even with flash-stories.'

I can work with this one as well. I just need to write more.

Fortunately, I am at a time in my life that I can accept rejection for what it is and not as a rejection of me. I can take criticism. Where as several years ago, I wouldn't have been able to handle it.

I applaud young writers who put themselves out there.

Submission

I have just submitted (or is that offered) a short story to Graveside Tales for their Harvest Hill Anthology. http://gravesidetales.com/

Although, I like my story, it is light on the horror and bigger on a developing friendship and love between my main characters. I hope the editors enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I tried to change the story, but kept coming back to the same story, even after I took a month to revisit it.

On offering my story instead of submitting... One women's site said they'd prefer offerings of works, rather than women submitting. I kinda like this way of thinking. I guess the feminist in me peaks out once in a while. -Rita

I have done so much since my last post. I probably won't be posting on this page as frequently. blogging cuts into my writing time...Really, that is a bad thing.

Let's see...

The Cleveland Rocks NEORWA Writer's Conference was great. I learned so much. See my other blog for details at http://findthatperfectending.blogspot.com/.

The Y-City Writer's are going to be busy. We are hosting Open Mic Night at Java House on Maple Avenue. Looks like we may be doing the same beginning in July at the Lady Bug Coffee Gallery. In October, we are going to be hosting our own writer's conference. We are just in the beginning talk stage on this. Hopefully, this will leave everyone time to write. For me, I'll just continue to neglect housework.

I went to check out the Lady Bug Coffee Gallery. It is a peaceful atmosphere for writing. If one should tire of writing observing the other patrons is always an option. Just remember to jot down mannerisms, or quirks you find interesting.

Yes, I am writing... I have refocused my energies on Saving Beauty, my Hunters For Hire story. After meeting with two of the editors from Ellora's Cave, I think this will be a good place to start my career.

I am still submitting my short stories...Waiting on replies now.

The kittens are getting so big. Soon, I won't be able to lift them with one hand. I wish they would stay babies forever. They are so much fun to watch frolicking throughout the house. Corky still tries to carry them around, but I think she is getting frustrated that they just get up and leave after she has went to the effort of moving them.

I have done so much since my last post. I probably won't be posting on this page as frequently. blogging cuts into my writing time...Really, that is a bad thing.

Let's see...

The Cleveland Rocks NEORWA Writer's Conference was great. I learned so much. See my other blog for details at http://findthatperfectending.blogspot.com/.

The Y-City Writer's are going to be busy. We are hosting Open Mic Night at Java House on Maple Avenue. Looks like we may be doing the same beginning in July at the Lady Bug Coffee Gallery. In October, we are going to be hosting our own writer's conference. We are just in the beginning talk stage on this. Hopefully, this will leave everyone time to write. For me, I'll just continue to neglect housework.

I went to check out the Lady Bug Coffee Gallery. It is a peaceful atmosphere for writing. If one should tire of writing observing the other patrons is always an option. Just remember to jot down mannerisms, or quirks you find interesting.

Yes, I am writing... I have refocused my energies on Saving Beauty, my Hunters For Hire story. After meeting with two of the editors from Ellora's Cave, I think this will be a good place to start my career.

I am still submitting my short stories...Waiting on replies now.

The kittens are getting so big. Soon, I won't be able to lift them with one hand. I wish they would stay babies forever. They are so much fun to watch frolicking throughout the house. Corky still tries to carry them around, but I think she is getting frustrated that they just get up and leave after she has went to the effort of moving them.

Wall Papering the Bathroom

I have been submitting my stories to various magazines and e-zines. It was only a matter of time before I received rejections. In the past few days, I have receive two. Fortunately, they were kind.

One offered some suggestions on making the character more believable. You know, the old show, not tell story. Yes, I need to work on this. The story is written in the first person and I just need to find the characters voice. This editor loved the story, only wants some changes and some more story. I am working on it.

The other editor liked my story, but could not use it at this time.

I will not be broken. I will persevere!

I am still writing and submitting.

I am trying to write a story for my writing groups prompt on displaced maternal instincts. The story is in my head and kind of on paper, well the PC. It just needs work. A lot of work.

The moral of this story is should I start wall papering the bathroom with my rejections? -RS

Another Rejection

Oh, oh. They are coming in quick now.

I received another rejection today. This one said they enjoyed reading it, but couldn't use it at this time. Best of luck with placing it in another market and they sincerely hope I will submit more stories in the future.

So, I am still looking for a market for Wishing Well. I am still, re-writing Hitching a Ride.

I am submitting other stories as well. I am not feeling defeated, only encouraged by the responses, I have received.

Keep on writing, editing and submitting.

Rejection

I received my first refection letter Friday. It did not hurt as badly as I thought it might. The editor was nice and said she liked the story, but it needed some more work. I need to show more and tell less. At least, she responded to my submission. So many out there don't.

I am in the process of revising the short story I sent out. It may become a longer piece. I think it will be fun to develop a novel out of it.

I am still writing. I submitted another short to a magazine yesterday. I remain hopeful. If the short isn't accepted, hopefully I will receive more feedback from the editor. (No it's not the same editor!)

Keep on writing, editing and submitting.

Here is a link you might find helpful: http://www.writing-world.com/

Writing & Inspiration

Okay, I wrote another piece for the FlashXrs, called Writer's Block.

I was having writer's block and the prompt wasn't giving me anything. The only word in the prompt that kept calling to me was 'wrote'. So, I went with that and came up with Writer's Block. I am a little warped in most my writing so it doesn't exactly go where you might think it would. Still, I think it is a funny little piece if I do say so myself.

Sometimes, it is the little things that inspire us. This time it was my writer's block. It doesn't always come easy when using a prompt. You should attempt to use the idea that pops into your head and see if that takes you where you want to be, sometimes it will. Other times you will find yourself with something different. You, at least have written something.

The more writing you do, the easier it becomes. If the piece is not well written, that is what editing, proofing and critiques are for. Remember not all the stuff you write will be published. Keep on writing. And do forget to submit your stuff.-RL

Writing, Editing, Writing Some More

I have been writing some stories, trying to see if I can come up with a story for one of those anthologies out there. So far, nothing is good enough. Still, I keep trying.

I am working on revising one of my short stories to get it ready for submitting. It needs some work to show, not tell the story. I am revising it with a little help from my friends, to quote a Beetles song.

Tomorrow I will work on a flash fiction story for the flashxers group. I think I will also work on the 2ND chapter of the round robin story the Y-City Writer's Group is writing. Mine needs some revising. I think, I have left it long enough.

All's Quiet on the Western Front... Make that Mid-western front.

The pets and hubby are napping. I am just clicking away on this old keyboard. It is a quiet afternoon. I think I will join everyone for a nap after I post this blog.

I took some pictures of my flowers. I will post them tomorrow. Taking pictures seem to help me in my writing.

Speaking of writing, my niece is going to have her poem published in an anthology of poems. Poetry.com has selected her for this honor. I am proud of my little BusyBeth though she is all grown up now. I really haven't called her by her nickname for a very long time. It brings back sweet memories of this beautiful baby who was always on the go from the time she learned to walk. Alas, it is also true today. The child only slows down when she is sleeping.

There's a lesson in here someplace. If you write it, submit it. If you are not writing then write and then submit it. -Rita

All's Quiet on the Western Front... Make that Mid-western front.

The pets and hubby are napping. I am just clicking away on this old keyboard. It is a quiet afternoon. I think I will join everyone for a nap after I post this blog.

I took some pictures of my flowers. I will post them tomorrow. Taking pictures seem to help me in my writing.

Speaking of writing, my niece is going to have her poem published in an anthology of poems. Poetry.com has selected her for this honor. I am proud of my little BusyBeth though she is all grown up now. I really haven't called her by her nickname for a very long time. It brings back sweet memories of this beautiful baby who was always on the go from the time she learned to walk. Alas, it is also true today. The child only slows down when she is sleeping.

There's a lesson in here someplace. If you write it, submit it. If you are not writing then write and then submit it. -Rita

Still beautiful. The mowers were here bright and early this morning, I almost slept through them. The rain seems to have went around us, yeah!

I did some house work.

I wrote two short stories and submitted one of them to the Chick Lit Review. I hope it is chosen. This story was from a prompt given by a friend from the Y-City Writer's Group way back in April. Fool me once... was the prompt and it is the name of the Chick Lit story I wrote.

I tried to use the prompt to do a short story with Lucky, but the only story that wanted to be told seemed to be a story I have seen over and over on TV. I did write the story, but I doubt I'll ever do anything with it.

As usual, I am blogging. Boy can I talk.

Here is a prompt I got from:http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/#:
Write anything using 'A chapter of loathing'.

Don't forget to submit your work. Keep on Writing-Rita

Still beautiful. The mowers were here bright and early this morning, I almost slept through them. The rain seems to have went around us, yeah!

I did some house work.

I wrote two short stories and submitted one of them to the Chick Lit Review. I hope it is chosen. This story was from a prompt given by a friend from the Y-City Writer's Group way back in April. Fool me once... was the prompt and it is the name of the Chick Lit story I wrote.

I tried to use the prompt to do a short story with Lucky, but the only story that wanted to be told seemed to be a story I have seen over and over on TV. I did write the story, but I doubt I'll ever do anything with it.

As usual, I am blogging. Boy can I talk.

Here is a prompt I got from:http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/#:
Write anything using 'A chapter of loathing'.

Don't forget to submit your work. Keep on Writing-Rita

Coshocton and Back

Yesterday, I went to the Write On Writer's Conference in Coshocton. I enjoyed it immensely. I learned some new stuff, bought some books and had the authors sign them. I met all kinds of interesting people.

Someone from my own group even thanked me for posting on the Y-City Writers web-site. I am sitting here blushing. Someone is thanking me for talking... er writing.

I am going to send another wonderful person some links to different magazines, anthologies, ezines, etc.

I will be posting some of the highlights from the workshop on my other blog Wannabe Writer. http://zanesvillewriter.blogspot.com/

My favorite speaker at the conference was Dandi Daley Mackall. She is an author of many books, ranging from children's block books to adult. She writes both fiction and non-fiction. I could have listened to her all day long, without getting bored.

When I came home, I still had work to do, since I signed up for the 24 hour Short Story Contest. Wouldn't you know, after I sent my story off, I thought of a classic mistake I made at the end of the story. Instead of showing the kindness on the nurses face, I said her kind looking face. I am a bit disappointed in myself, but what is a silly writer to do?

I, also, needed to fulfill my commitment to writing a poem a day challenge.

I did succeed in stuffing everything into one all too brief day.

Man was I exhausted and I slept until noon to show it. Well, that is after getting up to review my story before sending it off to the contest. -Rita

Submissions

I have submitted one of my pieces of flash fiction to an e-zine that publishes a print anthology at the end of the year. Wish me luck.

I have decided when I finish short stories or flash fiction, I am going to submit them to various publications. Hopefully some of them will be picked up for print.

I encourage all writers to submit their works. The worst thing that will happen is that someone will say no. The best thing is that you will be published and sometimes paid for your words.

For a listing of publishers try:
http://www.ralan.com/
http://www.duotrope.com/index.aspx

Don't forget to write daily. It has been nice outside so find some place quiet to find your muse.
-Rita